Integrated solutions for packaging

Consortium IN.PA.CO. groups 5 companies operating in the packaging sector, each one specialized in a phase of the packaging industry

It appears for the first time on the European stage the Consortium IN.PA.CO. “International Packaging Companies”, organization created in order to encourage technological and commercial integration of some of the most interesting Italian companies operating in the flexible packaging industry.

Consortium IN.PA.CO. groups 5 companies operating in the packaging sector each one specialized in a phase of the packaging industry. Technology leader is COMAG Engineering Srl, which designs and manufactures machines and drive in exclusive on the international market innovative technologies for labeling containers produced by FFS systems and super-stretch label application on any type of container. The established shrink labelling technology, and innovative applications both in shrink than stretch, lie with COMAG elements of extraordinary innovation capable of bringing to the manufacturers and to the benefits of the market in terms of reducing production costs, optimization and simplification of processes, energy saving and above all, to benefit the environment, possibility to obtain the 100% recyclability of plastic containers and associated labels.

Innovative, efficient and flexible industrial business, printer of plastic and laminated films MACA Srl, and leader in plastic film production Jolly Plastic Srl, are also part of the consortium.

In the field of stretch applications COMAG provides innovative solutions capable of applying elastic labels at speeds of up 54,000 bph. Ideal solutions for milk containers, bottles that require full body labeling. absolute innovation is the realization of multipacks machines that allow the realization of packs by means of stretch sleeves applications, enabling significant savings of materials, space and energy consumption.

The synergy of R&D of COMAG, Maca and Jolly Plastic departments also makes possible the progressive and continuous development of both the materials of the application systems that make the up to date technology offerings and to obsolescence proof. In order to ensure the proper functioning of the installations of the customer we are offered a full-service package which covers the correct operation of the machines and the continuous maintenance.

Shrinkfocus

As shrink applications, there are two solutions:

1. Isla, an innovative rotary shrink system integrated into the central rotor that allows inserting a machine over 54.000 bph in only linear space of 2 meters, while for a comparable system linear 10-12 meters are necessary. The traditional shrink tunnel is replaced by a series of cylinders mounted on the labeling machine carousel, in which a steam jet under pressure that realizes the perfect and immediate retraction of the sleeve on the container is injected; in addition to making the very compact machine, this conception also allows obtaining remarkable advantages with respect to traditional systems with in-line tunnel.

The required quantity of steam is up to 10 times less than the traditional steam tunnel and is directly proportional to the speed of production. It is not necessary and preheating is not needed, consumed steam as the machine is in stand-by; Moreover, the system also guarantees the absence of steam in the working dispersions.

The label positioning is extremely accurate on empty or full containers with an application moving container itself progressive and mechanically determined. There are no brushes or other elements to influence the positioning of the label: a mobile cursor operated by a mechanical cam determines in a precise way the final position of the label on the container which is maintained also during the retraction phase, immediately following. The achievement of full production after a format change is immediate, since each container has its own retraction cylinder specially designed according to its purpose. Thanks to this and after normal format change operations, the machine is immediately ready to go into production without further adjustments. Finally, a guarantee for a healthier work environment, there were no steam leaks from the machine.

2. SKY model designed for applying shrink sleeves to thermoformed cups, typically used for yoghurt, creamy probiotic products, beverages, etc. The system applies and thermoshrinks labels, in almost contemporary moments, so as to expose to the vapour products for an extremely short time. The machine can also apply labels to groups of jars joined together and therefore particularly suitable for use in installations with FFS machines (form-fill-seal).